Ciera Wiser
Individual Study Plan
- Introduction
- Visual Course Worksheet
- Quarterly Plan (Year One)
- Autumn 2015
- Winter 2016
- Spring 2016
- Quarterly Plan (Year Two)
- Autumn 2016
- Winter 2017
- Spring 2017
- Course Extras
- Internship
- Study Abroad
- Senior Project
Visual Course worksheet
Autumn 2015
CEP 301
RETREAT
What better way to get to know CEP and CEPsters than spending a weekend together? Retreat was a wonderful introduction to the major and its processes, along with the community bonding.
ATM S 211 (M)
CLIMATE AND CLIMATE CHANGE
As a hopeful policy maker, I think it is essential to have a hard science background and a basic knowledge of the facts behind current climate conditions. This class provided a concise, yet thorough introduction to climate change, and has further solidified my resolve to work towards a green career.
ESRM 425 (M)
SPECIAL TOPICS
This two week field course was a privilege to join, and I was able to see first-hand new forest management practices that are innovative, socially and economically sound, and ecologically focused.
CEP 301
THE IDEA OF COMMUNITY
I have grown to appreciate philosophy in a way I never thought possible, and have gained critical thinking skills that will certainly follow me in the future, as I attempt to focus on community based sustainability.
RETREAT
What better way to get to know CEP and CEPsters than spending a weekend together? Retreat was a wonderful introduction to the major and its processes, along with the community bonding.
ATM S 211 (M)
CLIMATE AND CLIMATE CHANGE
As a hopeful policy maker, I think it is essential to have a hard science background and a basic knowledge of the facts behind current climate conditions. This class provided a concise, yet thorough introduction to climate change, and has further solidified my resolve to work towards a green career.
ESRM 425 (M)
SPECIAL TOPICS
This two week field course was a privilege to join, and I was able to see first-hand new forest management practices that are innovative, socially and economically sound, and ecologically focused.
CEP 301
THE IDEA OF COMMUNITY
I have grown to appreciate philosophy in a way I never thought possible, and have gained critical thinking skills that will certainly follow me in the future, as I attempt to focus on community based sustainability.
Winter 2016
L ARCH 361 (M)
THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE OF PLACE
Through readings, discussion, in-class activities and mini-projects, students study place attachment, relationships to nature, environmental attitudes and perception, personal space, territoriality, urban public space, diversity, participation, and the politics of space.
URBDP 480 (M)
SPECIAL TOPICS
Various community planners/architects/policy makers gave presentations and engaged the class in activities meant to highlight the professional aspects of their careers.
CEP 302
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE
Explores issues of environmental crisis and societal responses. Readings and reflective analysis from broad selection of authoritative sources to develop grounded perspective in ecological literacy and consciousness. Concurrently, experiential education in challenges and practical responses to building sustainable society through participation in community- based environmental effort.
ESRM 300 (M)
PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
Professor Jerry Franklin hosted this seminar focused on sustainability that featured various professionals from environmental career fields.
ENGL 285
WRITERS ON WRITING
Writers from the Seattle community read their work, engage the class and offered real world writing advice. Classwork involved literature write-ups, thought journaling, reflection essays and presenting.
THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE OF PLACE
Through readings, discussion, in-class activities and mini-projects, students study place attachment, relationships to nature, environmental attitudes and perception, personal space, territoriality, urban public space, diversity, participation, and the politics of space.
URBDP 480 (M)
SPECIAL TOPICS
Various community planners/architects/policy makers gave presentations and engaged the class in activities meant to highlight the professional aspects of their careers.
CEP 302
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE
Explores issues of environmental crisis and societal responses. Readings and reflective analysis from broad selection of authoritative sources to develop grounded perspective in ecological literacy and consciousness. Concurrently, experiential education in challenges and practical responses to building sustainable society through participation in community- based environmental effort.
ESRM 300 (M)
PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
Professor Jerry Franklin hosted this seminar focused on sustainability that featured various professionals from environmental career fields.
ENGL 285
WRITERS ON WRITING
Writers from the Seattle community read their work, engage the class and offered real world writing advice. Classwork involved literature write-ups, thought journaling, reflection essays and presenting.
Spring 2016
CEP 303
SOCIAL STRUCTURES & PROCESSES
Investigates use of formal and informal social structures and processes within context of community and environment. My group was based in Beacon Hill and through coursework we were able to survey the community through collaboration with local agencies.
CEP 300
SPRING RETREAT
Retreat serves as a reflection time for a years’ worth of CEP involvement and a final bonding event with the outgoing seniors.
CEP 498 (M)
DIGITAL DESIGN PRACTICUM
This was an introductory design course that focused on the Adobe Suit and basic GIS/Sketch-up skills. My main professional takeaway was Adobe InDesign proficiency.
L ARCH 322 (M)
INTRO TO PLANTING DESIGN
A basic understanding of landscape planting design was the focus of this course, mainly based on sustainable and aesthetic principles.
L ARCH 363 (M)
ECOLOGICAL DESIGN AND PLANNING
Ecological landscape practices were presented through current field projects that have been recently implemented or are currently in progress. This was one of the best courses I have taken at UW—I learned real world application skills that I can apply in my career and my daily life.
SOCIAL STRUCTURES & PROCESSES
Investigates use of formal and informal social structures and processes within context of community and environment. My group was based in Beacon Hill and through coursework we were able to survey the community through collaboration with local agencies.
CEP 300
SPRING RETREAT
Retreat serves as a reflection time for a years’ worth of CEP involvement and a final bonding event with the outgoing seniors.
CEP 498 (M)
DIGITAL DESIGN PRACTICUM
This was an introductory design course that focused on the Adobe Suit and basic GIS/Sketch-up skills. My main professional takeaway was Adobe InDesign proficiency.
L ARCH 322 (M)
INTRO TO PLANTING DESIGN
A basic understanding of landscape planting design was the focus of this course, mainly based on sustainable and aesthetic principles.
L ARCH 363 (M)
ECOLOGICAL DESIGN AND PLANNING
Ecological landscape practices were presented through current field projects that have been recently implemented or are currently in progress. This was one of the best courses I have taken at UW—I learned real world application skills that I can apply in my career and my daily life.
Autumn 2016
CHID 471 (M)
STUDY ABROAD
I spent Autumn 2016 in Berlin on a CHID/Architecture study abroad program. The topic was Global Migration and in self-assigned groups we explored the complex international environment that composes unique Berlin. Having had a mix of interests/specialties, the idea was that each group would present their findings in a way that was to be interdisciplinary and mixed-media based. My focus was on transportation wayfinding through Berlin itself, and the various other cities I visited while abroad. The final product was a blog page highlighting different aspects of wayfinding as an expat and assessing how effective each city was at providing universal platforms through which all people might navigate the area.
STUDY ABROAD
I spent Autumn 2016 in Berlin on a CHID/Architecture study abroad program. The topic was Global Migration and in self-assigned groups we explored the complex international environment that composes unique Berlin. Having had a mix of interests/specialties, the idea was that each group would present their findings in a way that was to be interdisciplinary and mixed-media based. My focus was on transportation wayfinding through Berlin itself, and the various other cities I visited while abroad. The final product was a blog page highlighting different aspects of wayfinding as an expat and assessing how effective each city was at providing universal platforms through which all people might navigate the area.
Winter 2017
CEP 461
ETHICS AND IDENTITY
Examination of personal, societal, vocational, environmental, planning ethics. We read various philosophical authors and examined the ways in which they presented their findings on ethics, and applied this to current day understanding of morality.
CEP 491
SENIOR PROJECT PREP SEMINAR II: METHODS AND ACTUALIZATION
Focuses on implementing the senior project/capstone, including revisions and updates as seen fit.
CHID 496 (M)
QUEER 101
A discussion group focused on gender, sexuality, class, race, and ability. We assessed the discrimination faced by all groups and considered the policies in place that impact each identity.
ESRM 455 (M)
WILDLIFE SEMINAR
Various Environmental Science professionals discussed their work on wildlife in the region and highlighted the policies that impact their work.
ETHICS AND IDENTITY
Examination of personal, societal, vocational, environmental, planning ethics. We read various philosophical authors and examined the ways in which they presented their findings on ethics, and applied this to current day understanding of morality.
CEP 491
SENIOR PROJECT PREP SEMINAR II: METHODS AND ACTUALIZATION
Focuses on implementing the senior project/capstone, including revisions and updates as seen fit.
CHID 496 (M)
QUEER 101
A discussion group focused on gender, sexuality, class, race, and ability. We assessed the discrimination faced by all groups and considered the policies in place that impact each identity.
ESRM 455 (M)
WILDLIFE SEMINAR
Various Environmental Science professionals discussed their work on wildlife in the region and highlighted the policies that impact their work.
Spring 2017
CEP 462
COMMUNITY & ENVIRONMENT
Capstone quarter merges core seminars, disciplinary courses in major, community field experiences for mastery of personal knowledge and skills. Reflection & synthesis of themes in major; engagement with contemporary issues. Compares theoretical defs of community & environment with individual philosophies and knowledge within thoughtful, applied context.
CEP 446 (I)
INTERNSHIP COURSE
Review of professional skills and internship experience. Emphasis on real world professional skill development.
COMMUNITY & ENVIRONMENT
Capstone quarter merges core seminars, disciplinary courses in major, community field experiences for mastery of personal knowledge and skills. Reflection & synthesis of themes in major; engagement with contemporary issues. Compares theoretical defs of community & environment with individual philosophies and knowledge within thoughtful, applied context.
CEP 446 (I)
INTERNSHIP COURSE
Review of professional skills and internship experience. Emphasis on real world professional skill development.
course extras
ENLG 182 (D)
MODERN FAMILY
This was a 10 credit course taught by two professors that focused on investigating the intersectionality of individuals and the ways in which this new lens shapes how we see the ‘modern family.’ It was my first introduction to gender studies and communication that focuses on appreciating and recognizing all aspects of an individuals. Modern Family has served as the foundation block for the ways in which I approach new topics regarding diversity and I still draw upon the tools I learned in the course to absorb information within and outside of class.
CEP 400
GOVERNANCE
I have been a member of the Community Engagement Committee all six quarters of my CEP experience. It has been a wonderful two years serving with the various CEC members and I am so thankful for all we have been able to accomplish. We have hosted panels, community discussions, volunteer events, work parties and CEP share-alls. Throughout this time, I have learned valuable team collaboration skills and have gained experience hosting events.
MODERN FAMILY
This was a 10 credit course taught by two professors that focused on investigating the intersectionality of individuals and the ways in which this new lens shapes how we see the ‘modern family.’ It was my first introduction to gender studies and communication that focuses on appreciating and recognizing all aspects of an individuals. Modern Family has served as the foundation block for the ways in which I approach new topics regarding diversity and I still draw upon the tools I learned in the course to absorb information within and outside of class.
CEP 400
GOVERNANCE
I have been a member of the Community Engagement Committee all six quarters of my CEP experience. It has been a wonderful two years serving with the various CEC members and I am so thankful for all we have been able to accomplish. We have hosted panels, community discussions, volunteer events, work parties and CEP share-alls. Throughout this time, I have learned valuable team collaboration skills and have gained experience hosting events.
Internship
From May 2016 - March 2017 I was an intern at the Department of Transportation in the Project Development Division.
Study Abroad
I spent Autumn of 2016 living and studying in Berlin. Photos can be found under the Photography tab, and travel thoughts are compiled in blog form under Travel.
senior project
Abstract
Especially in polarizing times, people need a place to connect, create and refocus on progress. To form community bonds, cultivate a united resistance to the new political regime, and create possibilities for the world as it should be, we are organizing a community event. The event is a celebratory pop-up bazaar featuring art, performances and food. Historically, communities have come together at markets. They serve as a shared place, providing for the exchange of ideas, goods and experiences. In preparation, we are exploring best practices in creating a community event by reviewing literature on festivals and social change, and analyzing case studies of other community events. By organizing cooperatively with participants and creating a collective vision for the event, we are living the society we want to see into being. Through our experiences working with our community, we identify and develop practices for cultivating inclusive spaces, outreach strategies, democratic facilitation methods and meeting processes. Organizing in this way opens up spaces for creative dialogue, fosters long-term bonds between community members, and facilitates the formation of a united front pushing society forward.
For more information, please refer to the Capstone tab.